Weimar Republic Naval Ensign – Reichskriegsflagge (ca. 1929–1932)

General Information

• Flag Type: Naval Ensign (Reichskriegsflagge)
• Dimensions: 1.5 m x 0.95 m (approx. 59 in x 37.4 in)
• Marking: "Bootsflg. 1,5 x 0,95" "M over Anchor"
• Material: Coarse wool, machine-stitched, printed design
• Period: Weimar Republic, ca. 1929–1932
• Provenance: Said to originate from a veteran who served aboard SMS Hessen
• Condition: Minor moth damage; otherwise intact

Distinguishing Features

• Printed Weimar-style naval ensign (1921–1933)
• Railroad-style (Kettenmuster) woven reinforcement header
• No Nazi-era markings or symbols

Historical Context

This naval ensign follows the 1921 redesign by the Weimar Republic. It retains the central Iron Cross while replacing the imperial eagle with the black-red-gold tricolor. Used by Reichsmarine vessels until replaced after 1933.

The printed size mark Bootsflg. 1,5 x 0,95 corresponds to flags used on smaller vessels such as launches and torpedo boats.

Railroad-style Header Band

This flag includes a woven black-on-white "Kettenmuster" header band – typically associated with Third Reich-era production. However, this flag predates that standardization, suggesting a late-Weimar production window (ca. 1929–1932).

Comparison: Zaricor Flag Collection – Item #995

A similar example appears in the Zaricor Flag Collection:

• Item #995: Printed wool flag of similar size and layout
• Includes railroad-style header
• Estimated to date from the 1920s

View Flag Collection Entry

Assessment of Authenticity and Rarity

Authenticity:

• Conforms to Reichsmarine regulations (1921–1933)
• Materials and markings match depot-issued standards
• Associated with SMS Hessen service period
• No Nazi-era symbols confirms pre-1933 origin

Estimated Production Date: 1929–1932

Rarity: Flags with this specific construction and header are extremely rare; only a handful are known.

Naval Depot Marking

Includes anchor-over-M depot stamp confirming official Reichsmarine use.

Summary

This flag is an authentic Reichsmarine naval ensign from the Weimar Republic (ca. 1929–1932). It features the tricolor canton, central Iron Cross, rare Kettenmuster header, and verified depot markings – all without imperial or Nazi symbols. It likely saw use on SMS Hessen or a training vessel and represents a rare transitional example before the 1935 redesign.

Obverse

Size Mark

Header Detail